Darrell Everett Mundorf was born July 15, 1927, in Valentine, Nebraska. He passed away on April 15, 2015, at Pine View Good Samaritan Center in Valentine. Darrell was one of ten children born to Merton and Katherine Mundorf. He attended several grade schools including Littleburg and Merriman. In 1945, he graduated from Valentine High School. Sports were always an important part of his life. Early days saw him playing football, basketball and he excelled in high school boxing. Shortly after graduation, as World War II was drawing to an end, he joined the Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. It was there that he learned the trade of cutting meat which he put to use his entire life. His boxing skill was also further developed in the Navy where he earned championship honors.
After an Honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Chadron State, and shortly after met his future wife, Dorothy Ruth Kreycik. They were married on May 24, 1949, and moved to the ranch south of Wood Lake where they lived together for the next 65 years. To this union four children were born: Joe, Julie, Jane and Jill. As the children grew up, Darrell was a 4-H leader as well as an active member of Wood Lake American Legion for 60+ years, Wood Lake Masonic Lodge, Wood Lake Union Church, Sandhills Cattle Association, Wood Lake School Board, Aksarben Ambassador, and Badger Booster Club (Fan of the Year).
Ranching in the Sandhills was Darrell's passion and buying and selling calves was a significant part of his life. He also worked as a Cherry County Brand inspector for several years. As an avid Husker fan he attended at least one game a year for the last 50+ years. Darrell was also an enthusiastic ice fisherman and he could catch fish when no one else could.
He never missed any of the kids' sports and was always on the sidelines cheering them on at their activities. His love of family was evident as he hosted many family reunions and never failed to look up relatives in his travels. Children were taught well as each returned every Christmas and Easter to celebrate these special events with their parents. Darrell never lost his playful spirit, which was perhaps most appreciated by his grandchildren. He was the instigator of countless footraces, go-cart shenanigans, and raids on "secret" asparagus and watermelon patches. He was a firm believer that there was no event in life that couldn't be made more interesting by a wager of a quarter.
Darrell is survived by his wife Dorothy Ruth, of Wood Lake, son Joe (Donnie) of Wood Lake, daughters Julie (Cort) Dewing of Valentine, Jane (Bill) Howell of Valentine, Jill (Randy) Burge of Fort Collins, CO, and grandchildren Matt (Lorri) of Kearney, Mark (Lacey) of Wood Lake, Molly (Dan) Dent of Valentine, Ryan (Kelly) Dewing of Lincoln, Ramzi (Ben) Hynek of Lincoln, Rachel and Blake Howell of Denver, Haley and Chanley Burge of Fort Collins, along with nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Eldon (Willis) of Norfolk, Jerry (Millie) of Norden, and sister, Delores (Dick) Watts of Burwell. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jack, Scoop, Katherine, Evelyne, Jean, and Lyle.
Funeral services were held on April 18th at Wood Lake Union Church. Reverend Don Letellier officiated the service, followed by burial at the Wood Lake Mount Hope Cemetery. The Masonic Rites and American Legion Tribute were both held at graveside. Gifts in memory of Darrell may be given to Wood Lake Union Church. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.